Mounting seat for pressure relief device

Abstract

Mounting seat (3505) for a pressure relief device, comprising: a main body part (301), the main body part (301) comprising an insertion part (3432); and a locking part (302), the locking part (302) being arranged at an upper end of the insertion part (3432) and extending outwardly from the main body part (301); at least one projection (303), wherein the at least one projection (303) is arranged on the insertion part (3432) and extends outwardly from the insertion part (3432), wherein the at least one projection (303) is located below the locking part (302) and a clamping space (3900) is formed between the at least one projection and the locking part (302); wherein the at least one approach (303) comprises: an elastic arm (3701), wherein a proximal end (3711) of the elastic arm (3701) is connected to the insertion part (3432) and a distal end of the elastic arm (3701) is a free end (3712); and a receiving part (3702), wherein the receiving part (3702) is connected to the insertion part (3432), wherein a receiving space (3703) is provided in the receiving part (3702), and the receiving space (3703) is designed to at least partially receive the elastic arm (3701); wherein, when the elastic arm (3701) is in a free state, the elastic arm (3701) is at least partially located above an upper surface of the receiving part (3702).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present application relates to a pressure relief device and, in particular, to a mounting seat for a pressure relief device in a battery pack. State of the art

[0002] A battery generates gas during use. If the gas is not vented in a timely manner and accumulates in a battery pack, the pressure inside the battery pack may increase, affecting its usability. Therefore, during battery manufacturing, it is often necessary to attach a pressure relief device to the battery pack. When the pressure inside the battery pack exceeds a predetermined value, the pressure relief device can be automatically opened to vent the gas accumulated inside the battery pack, thus relieving the excessive pressure.

[0003] Such a device is known, for example, from US 2020 / 0 032 924 A1, which describes a vent assembly. The excavation pit comprises a housing defining a cavity, a first end, a second end, and a coupling structure toward the second end. A mounting surface is positioned between the first end and the second end within the cavity and defines a valve opening and a vent opening. A vent is connected to the mounting surface via the vent opening, and an umbrella valve is sealingly disposed over a valve opening on the mounting surface.

[0004] EP 2 679 515 A1 also discloses a venting device for insertion into an opening of a housing. The venting device comprises, among other things, a body with an insertion portion for insertion into the opening of the housing and a head portion. The body further has a passage extending through the insertion portion and the head portion to allow a liquid to escape from the housing into the environment. The venting device also comprises an air-permeable, water-impermeable venting element covering the passage. An engagement portion is arranged around the insertion portion and serves to engage with the wall of the housing.The engagement portion is radially deformable to provide a resistance force against withdrawal from the wall when the venting device is inserted into the opening, the engagement portion being specifically adapted to enable insertion of the venting device into openings of housings with different wall thicknesses.

[0005] DE 10 2017 214 754 A1 also discloses a device for compensating the internal pressure of a battery housing for a vehicle. The device integrates pressure compensation functions during normal operation and during emergency degassing. The pressure compensation element has at least one element body and a membrane arranged on the element body, wherein a connecting element is provided for the airtight connection of the pressure compensation element. The element body rests airtight on the connecting element, so that when internal pressure is present, the body opens an opening between the element body and the connecting element for gas exchange. Brief description of the invention

[0006] The present application provides a mounting seat for a pressure relief device according to claim 1. The mounting seat comprises a main body part, a locking part, and at least one boss, wherein the main body part includes an insertion part; the locking part is disposed at an upper end of the insertion part and extends outwardly from the main body part; and the at least one boss is disposed on the insertion part and extends outwardly from the insertion part, the at least one boss is located below the locking part, and a clamping space is formed between the at least one boss and the locking part.The at least one projection further comprises an elastic arm and a receiving part, wherein a proximal end of the elastic arm is connected to the insertion part and a distal end of the elastic arm is a free end; and the receiving part is connected to the insertion part, a receiving space is provided in the receiving part, and the receiving space is configured to at least partially receive the elastic arm; and wherein, when the elastic arm is in a free state, the elastic arm is at least partially located above an upper surface of the receiving part.In the present application, by disposing the locking part at the upper end of the insertion part of the mounting seat for the pressure relief device, disposing the boss on the insertion part with the fitting relationship between the locking part, the boss and the mounting hole, only two steps of inserting the insertion part into the mounting hole and rotating the insertion part are required to securely fix the pressure relief device to the battery pack thanks to the locking part and the boss, without the need for additional fasteners and fastening tools, thereby greatly simplifying the mounting steps of the pressure relief device.

[0007] In the mounting seat for the pressure relief device as described above, the insertion part is in the form of a cylindrical sleeve, and the at least one projection extends outwardly from an outer peripheral surface of the insertion part.

[0008] In the mounting seat for the pressure relief device as described above, the at least one lug comprises a pair of lugs, and the pair of lugs is arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis of the insertion part.

[0009] In the mounting seat for the pressure relief device as described above, the free end is provided with a projection extending to the locking part.

[0010] In the mounting seat for the pressure relief device as described above, the insertion part is configured to be inserted into a mounting hole of a component, and a wall of the mounting hole is provided with at least one notch for receiving the at least one projection; the locking part is configured to be positioned outside the mounting hole when the insertion part is inserted into the mounting hole; the at least one projection is configured to be inserted into the mounting hole by aligning it with the at least one notch; and after the insertion part is inserted into the mounting hole and rotated so that the at least one projection and the at least one notch are offset from each other, a part of the component is clamped around the mounting hole in the clamping space.

[0011] In the mounting seat for the pressure relief device as described above, at least one slot is provided in the wall of the mounting hole, the at least one slot and the at least one notch are offset from each other, and the at least one slot is configured to receive the elastic arm of the at least one projection.

[0012] The mounting seat for the pressure relief device as described above further includes a sealing ring, and the sealing ring is fixed to a lower surface of the locking part.

[0013] In the mounting seat for the pressure relief device as described above, the main body part further comprises a head part, the head part being connected to an upper end of the insertion part at a connecting end of the head part, and the head part and the insertion part together form a fluid passage; and the blocking part is formed by surrounding the connecting end of the head part and extending outwardly from the head part.

[0014] In the mounting seat for the pressure relief device as described above, the head part is in the form of a cylindrical sleeve and the locking part is an annular flange.

[0015] The pressure relief device of the present application has a unique mounting structure and can be attached to an outer casing of the battery pack by rotating it. The pressure relief device can be attached to the battery pack without the need for external fasteners and fastening tools, greatly simplifying the assembly steps of the battery pack and reducing the manufacturing cost of the battery pack. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery pack 100 employing a pressure relief device 101 according to an embodiment of the present application; Fig. 2A is a partial perspective view of the pressure relief device 101 and a top plate 105 of the battery pack 100, from outside the battery pack 100 in Fig. 1 seen; Fig. Figure 2B is a partial perspective view of the pressure relief device 101 and the top plate 105 of the battery pack 100, from within the battery pack 100 in Fig. 1 seen; Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the pressure relief device 101 in Fig. 1; Fig. 3B is an exploded view of the pressure relief device 101 in Fig. 3A; Fig. 3C is an axial sectional view of the pressure relief device 101 in Fig. 3A along the direction of an arrow according to the line AA in Fig. 3A; Fig. 3D is an axial sectional view of the pressure relief device 101 in Fig. 3A along a line which is at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the line AA in Fig. 3A; Fig. 3E is a sectional view along line CC in Fig. 3C; Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the pressure relief device 101 in Fig. 1 in an intensive pressure relief state; Fig. 5 is a partial perspective view of the top plate of the battery pack 100 in Fig. 2A; Fig. 6A to 6B are schematic representations of steps for attaching the pressure relief device 101 in Fig. 1 on the upper plate 105 of the Fig. 5 battery packs 100 shown; and Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B each show axial sectional views of the on the upper plate 105 of the battery pack 100 in Fig. 2A mounted pressure relief device 101 in different positions. Detailed description of the embodiments

[0016] Various specific embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification. It should be understood that while terms such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" in the present disclosure indicate directions used to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements in the present disclosure, these terms are used herein merely for convenience of description and are apparent from the exemplary orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. Because the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure can be arranged in various directions, these directional designations are for illustration purposes only and should not be considered limitations.Where possible, the same or similar reference numbers used in the present disclosure refer to the same components.

[0017] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a battery pack 100 using a pressure relief device 101 according to an embodiment of the present application. As in Fig. 1, the battery pack 100 is generally rectangular. In other embodiments, the battery pack 100 may have other shapes. The battery pack 100 includes a battery pack housing 102 and the pressure relief device 101. The battery pack housing 102 has a receiving space formed therein for receiving battery cells (not shown). The pressure relief device 101 is mounted on a top plate 105 of the battery pack housing 102 and communicates with the receiving space within the battery pack housing 102 and can relieve the pressure of the receiving space within the battery pack housing 102.

[0018] Fig. Figure 2A is a partial perspective view of the pressure relief device 101 and the top plate 105 of the battery pack 100, from outside the battery pack 100 in Fig. 1, which shows the structure of the pressure relief device 101 outside the battery pack case 102; Fig. Figure 2B is a partial perspective view of the pressure relief device 101 and the top plate of the battery pack 100, from within the battery pack 100 in Fig. 1, which shows the structure of the pressure relief device 101 within the battery pack housing 102. As shown in the Fig. 2A and Fig. As shown in FIG. 2B, the battery pack case 102 is provided with a mounting hole 230, and the pressure relief device 101 is fixed to the battery pack case 102 through the mounting hole 230. The lower part of the pressure relief device 101 passes through the mounting hole 230 and extends into the battery pack 100, and the upper part of the pressure relief device 101 is exposed to the outside. When the gas pressure in the battery pack 100 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the pressure relief device 101 can intensively discharge the gas in the battery pack 100 to the outside to relieve the pressure of the battery pack 100.

[0019] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the pressure relief device 101 in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3B shows an exploded view of the pressure relief device 101 in Fig. 3A. Fig. 3C is an axial sectional view of the pressure relief device 101 in Fig. 3A along the direction of an arrow according to the line AA in Fig. 3A. Fig. 3D is an axial sectional view of the pressure relief device 100 in Fig. 3A along a line which is at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the line AA in Fig. 3A, and Fig. 3E is a sectional view along line CC in Fig. 3C. These figures together show the specific structure of the pressure relief device 101.

[0020] As in the Fig. 3A and Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the pressure relief device 101 includes a protective cover 3501, a pressure relief member 3502, a waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503, a valve core 3504, a mounting seat 3505, and a seal ring 3506. Both the pressure relief member 3502 and the seal ring 3506 are in the shape of a circular ring and are made of elastic materials. In this embodiment, the pressure relief member 3502 and the seal ring 3506 are made of silica gel or rubber. For example, the pressure relief member 3502 is made of LR or HNBR material, and the seal ring 3506 is made of VMQ or EPDM material. The cross sections of the protective cover 3501, the waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503, the valve core 3504 and the mounting seat 3505 are generally circular.The waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503 is made of a waterproof and gas-permeable material, and the protective cover 3501, the valve core 3504, and the mounting seat 3505 are made of materials that are heat-resistant and have a certain rigidity. In this embodiment, the waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503 is made of ePTFE material. The protective cover 3501, the valve core 3504, and the mounting seat 3505 are made of PA66 material.

[0021] As in the Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D, the protective cover 3501 is snapped onto the mounting seat 3505 so that the waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503, the valve core 3504, and the pressure relief member 3502 can be accommodated in the space formed by the mounting seat 3505 and the protective cover 3501.

[0022] As in the Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D in combination with Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the protective cover 3501 includes a top cover 330 and a cover wall 331. The top cover 330 is in the shape of a circular flat plate, and the cover wall 331 extends vertically downward from an outer edge of the top cover 330. The protective cover 3501 is provided with a plurality of protective cover through-holes 3511 for assisting in the discharge of the gas within the pressure relief device 101 to the outside. A plurality of ribs 3460 are provided on an inner surface of the top cover 330 for abutment with the upper end of the mounting seat 3505. The cover wall 331 is provided with a plurality of notches 380 and a plurality of snap receptacles 332 disposed on the notches 380. The inner and outer surfaces of the snap receptacles 332 are flush with the inner and outer surfaces of the cover wall 331, respectively.The snap-in receptacle 332 and the side wall of a corresponding notch 380 of the cover wall 331 are separated by a separation slot 333, and the separation slot 333 extends from the outer edge of the cover wall 331 to the top cover 330. The separation slot 333 is arranged such that the upper end 334 of the snap-in receptacle 332 is connected to the cover wall 331, and a gap exists between the lower end 335 of the snap-in receptacle 332 and the cover wall 331, so that when an external force is applied to the lower end 335 of the snap-in receptacle 332, the lower end 335 of the snap-in receptacle 332 can expand and contract with respect to the cover wall 331.In other words, when an inward force is applied to the lower end 335 of the snap-in receptacle 332, the lower end 335 of the snap-in receptacle 332 is bent toward the space enclosed by the cover wall 331; and when an outward force is applied to the lower end 335 of the snap-in receptacle 332, the lower end 335 of the snap-in receptacle 332 is bent away from the space enclosed by the cover wall 331. The snap-in receptacle 332 is provided with a snap-in hole 336 at a location near the lower end 335, and the snap-in hole 336 extends through the inner and outer surfaces of the snap-in receptacle 332 and is used to arrange and receive a snap-in member 350 on the mounting seat 3505. In this embodiment, the cover wall 331 of the protective cover 3501 is provided with six snap-in receptacles 332. In other embodiments, the number of snap-in receptacles 332 may be different.

[0023] As in the Fig. As shown in FIGS. 3B-3D, the valve core 3504 includes a valve core body 340 and a valve core mounting member 341. The valve core body 340 has a circular cross-section and includes a valve core outer edge 342, a valve core center pin 344, and a plurality of valve core spokes 343. The valve core outer edge 342 is in the form of a ring, and the valve core center pin 344 is located at a middle position of the valve core outer edge 342 and extends along an axis of the valve core 504. The valve core spoke 343 is connected to the valve core center pin 344 at one end and is connected to the valve core outer edge 342 at the other end. The valve core spokes 343 can be used to support the waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503.In this embodiment, eight valve core spokes 343 are provided in the valve core 3504, and the eight valve core spokes 343 are evenly distributed around the valve core center pin 344, so that eight valve core through-holes 3514 are formed within the valve core outer edge 342. The valve core mounting member 341 is configured to extend downward from the valve core center pin 344 and is substantially perpendicular to the valve core body 340.

[0024] As in the Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D, the valve core mounting member 341 includes an extension portion 3422 and a pair of arms 3424. The extension portion 3422 is generally cylindrical, and a proximal end of the extension portion 3422 is connected to the valve core body 340. The pair of arms 3424 is connected to a distal end of the extension portion 3422, and the pair of arms 3424 are spaced apart by a recess 3420. The outer surfaces of the pair of arms 3424 facing away from each other are provided with ramp-shaped flanges, and the flanges extend obliquely outward from ends of the pair of arms 3424 to the distal end of the extension portion 3422. Therefore, a stepped snap-in portion is formed between the outer surfaces of the pair of arms 3424 and the extension portion 3422.When the pair of arms 3424 is pushed by an external force, the pair of arms 3424 may be biased toward each other toward the recess 3420 until the inner sides of the pair of arms 3424 abut each other. When the external force is removed, the pair of arms 3424 move away from each other and return to an expanded position with respect to each other. The above arrangement of the valve core mounting member 341 allows the valve core mounting member 341 to be expandable and contractable, so that the valve core 3504 can be removably mounted on the mounting seat 3505.

[0025] As in the Fig. 3B-3D, the waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503 is a circular thin sheet whose size is approximately equal to the cross-section of the valve core body 340, so that the waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503 can adequately cover the upper surface of the valve core body 340. The waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503 can prevent liquid from permeating and allow gas to permeate, thereby realizing the effects of dustproofing, waterproofing, and gas permeability. In this embodiment, the waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503 meets the requirements of IP67. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503 is fixed to the upper surface of the valve core 3504 by ultrasonic welding, and in this case, the valve core spoke 343 is also welded.In other embodiments, the waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503 may also be connected to the valve core 3504 by other connecting means, such as bonding with adhesive or fixing by a secondary molding process.

[0026] The pressure relief member 3502 is in the form of a ring. The pressure relief member 3502 has an outwardly flared cross-section including an inner edge 3551 forming an inner peripheral surface of the pressure relief member 3502 and an outer edge 3553 extending downwardly and outwardly from the inner edge 3551. In a free state, that is, not influenced by an external force, the outer edge 3553 of the pressure relief member 3502 extends outward from the inner edge 3551 and is located below the inner edge 3551. In this embodiment, the pressure relief member 3502 has an inner diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the valve core body 340 and is securely connected to the valve core 3504 by secondary molding, so that the inner peripheral surface of the pressure relief member 3502 and the outer peripheral surface of the valve core 3504 are tightly fixed to each other.In other embodiments, other fastening means may also be used. For example, the inner diameter of the pressure relief member 3502 is configured to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the valve core body 340 so that the pressure relief member 3502 can be securely slid onto the outer edge of the valve core 3504 using its expanding and contracting properties. As shown in FIGS. Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D, the pressure relief member 3502 and the valve core 3504 are formed into a generally umbrella shape when the pressure relief member 3502 is slid onto the valve core 3504.

[0027] As in the Fig. 3B-3D, the mounting seat 3505 includes a main body portion 301. The main body portion 301 is in the form of a cylindrical sleeve having a circular cross-section. As shown in Fig. As shown in Fig. 4A, the main body part 301 is divided into a head part 3431 and an insertion part 3432. The head part 3431 is connected to the upper end 3438 of the insertion part 3432 at a connecting end 3435 of the head part. The insertion part 3432 is configured to be inserted into the mounting hole 230, and the head part 3431 is positioned outside the mounting hole 230 and connected to the protective cover 3501.

[0028] The snap-in members 350 are provided on the outer surface of the head portion 3431. The snap-in members 350 are formed to protrude outward from the outer surface of the head portion 3431. The snap-in members 350 are used for snapping and arranging with the snap-in receptacles 332 on the protective cover 3501. The number of snap-in members corresponds to the number of snap-in receptacles 332. Since the protective cover 3501 is provided with six snap-in receptacles 332 in this embodiment, the mounting seat 3505 is also provided with six snap-in members 350 on the outer surface of the head portion 3431. As in combination with the Fig. 3B and Fig. 3D, the snap-in members 350 are generally prismatic, with a lower surface 3452 being a flat surface perpendicular to the outer surface of the head portion 3431, and an upper surface 3451 being an inclined surface extending obliquely downward from the outer surface of the head portion 3431. When the protective cover 3501 is snapped onto the mounting seat 3505, as shown in Fig. 3D, the protective cover 3501 is fixed to the outer surface of the head part 3431 from above the mounting seat 3505, and the inner surface of the protective cover 3501 on the cover wall 331 is tightly fixed to the outer surface of the head part 3431 to ensure the secure connection of the protective cover 3501 and the mounting seat 3505 in a horizontal direction. When the protective cover 3501 is snapped downward from above the mounting seat 3505, the snap receptacles 332 can spread outward so that the six snap members 350 are respectively received in the snap holes 336 of the six snap receptacles 332. In this case, the lower surface 3452 of the snap-in member 350 abuts against the snap-in hole 336, and the snap-in member 350 is configured to mate with the snap-in hole 336, such that upward movement of the protective cover 3501 with respect to the mounting seat 3505 can be prevented.When the protective cover 3501 is snapped onto the upper end of the mounting seat 3505, there are also, as shown in . Fig. 3D, the ribs 3460 provided on the inner surface of the upper cover 330 of the protective cover 3501 fit exactly on the upper end of the mounting seat 505, thereby preventing the protective cover 501 from moving downward with respect to the mounting seat 505.

[0029] As in the Fig. 3B, Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D, the head portion 3431 of the mounting seat 3505 has a larger outer diameter than the insertion portion 3432. The main body portion 301 of the mounting seat 3505 is internally provided with a fluid channel 3401 that extends through the head portion 3431 and the insertion portion 3432. The portion of the fluid channel 3401 in the head portion 3431 has a larger inner diameter than the portion of the fluid channel 3401 in the insertion portion 3432, and the mounting seat 3505 thus forms an annular support platform 3459 at a location where the head portion 3431 and the insertion portion 3432 meet. A support structure 3512 is provided within the fluid channel 3401, and the support structure 3512 is located in the insertion part 3432 and extends inwardly from the support platform 3459. As shown in Fig. 3B, the support structure 3512 includes a central support pin 337 and a plurality of support plates 338. The central support pin 337 is located at a central part of the fluid channel 3401. The support plates 338 are fixed at one end to the central support pin 337 and are fixed at the other end to the inner wall of the main body part 301, so that the plurality of support plates 338 are arranged radially inward of the fluid channel 3401. In this embodiment, there are a total of six support plates 338, and the six support plates 338 divide the fluid channel 3401 into six sub-channels 339, and each sub-channel 339 has a vertical connecting structure. The support structure 3512 has a relatively large height at a location where the central support pin 337 is located, so that the central support pin 337 can be used to engage and support the valve core 3504. As shown in Fig. 3C, the center support pin 337 is provided with a mounting member through-hole 3510. The inner diameter of the mounting member through-hole 3510 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the extension portion 3422 of the valve core mounting member 341, so that the extension portion 3422 of the valve core 340 can be accurately received in the mounting member through-hole 3510 of the mounting seat 3505. When the valve core 3504 is engaged by the pair of arms 3424 of the valve core mounting member 341 on top of the center support pin 337, the lower surface of the center of the valve core body 340 is accurately fixed to the upper surface of the center support pin 337 to limit the upward and downward movements of the valve core 3504 with respect to the mounting seat 3505.

[0030] The mounting seat 3505 further includes a locking portion 302 and a pair of lugs 303. The locking portion 302 and the pair of lugs 303 cooperate to hold the mounting seat 3505 in the mounting hole 230 of the top plate 105 of the battery pack 100. The locking portion 302 is disposed at the upper end of the insertion portion 3432 and extends outwardly from the main body portion 301. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking portion 302 is disposed at the connecting end 3435 of the head portion 3431 and is formed to have a flange shape around the connecting end 3435 of the head portion 3431. In some embodiments, the locking portion 302 may also extend directly from the upper end 3438 of the insertion portion 3432, as long as the size of the locking portion 302 is such that the locking portion 302 cannot be inserted into the mounting hole 230.

[0031] The pair of projections 303 are disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion part 3432, and thus, the projections 303 are located below the locking part 302. The projections 303 are spaced apart from the locking part 302 to form a clamping space 3900. The height of the clamping space 3900 is equal to the thickness of the top plate 105 of the battery pack case 102 or is slightly larger than the thickness of the battery pack case 102, so that the battery pack case 102 can be accurately clamped between the locking part 302 and the insertion part 3432.

[0032] As in Fig. 3D, the lower surface of the locking member 302 is flush with the lower edge of the head portion 3431, and the lower surface of the locking member 302 is provided with a sealing ring groove 3455 for receiving the sealing ring 3506. As shown in Fig. 3C in combination with Fig. 3A, the inside of the seal ring groove 3455 is formed as an annular platform 3456, and the outside is formed to include a plurality of outer abutment members 3457, and the plurality of outer abutment members 3457 are spaced apart along an outer edge of the locking part 302. As shown in Fig. 3A, some of the plurality of outer abutment members 457 are each independently arranged on the lower surface of the locking part 302, as for the remaining of the outer abutment members 3457, their ends near the outer edge of the locking part 302 are connected to each other by a connecting rod 3458, and their ends facing the main body part 301 are still arranged separately. Fig. 3A shows five outer abutment members 3457. Two outer abutment members 3457 located on the two radial sides of the locking part 302 are arranged independently, and the outer ends of the remaining three outer abutment members 3457, which are arranged between the above-mentioned two outer abutment members 3457, are connected to each other by the connecting rod 3458. The annular platform 3456 and the plurality of outer abutment members 3457 are configured to fit together to form a seal ring groove 3455 in the lower surface of the locking part 302 for engaging the seal ring 3506.

[0033] As in the Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B and Fig. 3C, the pair of lugs 303 of the mounting seat 3505 extends outwardly from the outer surface of the insertion part 3432 and is arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the insertion part 3432. As shown in Fig. 3C and Fig. 3E, each of the lugs 303 includes an elastic arm 3701 and a receiving portion 3702. The proximal end 3711 of the elastic arm 3701 is connected to the insertion portion 3432, and the distal end 3712 of the elastic arm 3701 is a free end, and a projection 3704 extending or projecting toward the locking portion 302 is provided on the upper surface thereof. The receiving portion 3702 is connected to the insertion portion 3432, and a receiving space 3703 is provided in the receiving portion 3702. The receiving portion 3702 is U-shaped, and an opening end of the U is connected to the outer surface of the insertion portion 3432, so that the receiving portion 3702 and the insertion portion 3432 together form the receiving space 3703. As shown in Fig. 3C, in a free state, most of the elastic arm 3701 is received in the receiving space 3703 of the receiving part 3702. The upper surface of the elastic arm 3701 is generally flush with the upper surface of the receiving part 3702, but the projection 3704 of the distal end 3712 of the elastic arm 3701 is higher than the upper surface of the receiving part 3702. When a downward force is applied to the free end 3712 of the elastic arm 3701, the distal end 3712 of the elastic arm 3701 can move downward, so that the entire elastic arm 3701 is received in the receiving space 3703 of the receiving part 3702.

[0034] As in combination with the Fig. 3B and Fig. 3C, the mounting seat 3505 is also provided with a plurality of openings 3403 in the head portion 3431, and the plurality of openings 3403 are arranged in the upper edge of the blocking portion 302 and extend through the head portion 3431, so that the gas in the fluid channel 3401 can be discharged to the outside through the openings 3403. The opening 3403 is elongated, the longitudinal direction of the opening 3403 corresponds to the circumferential direction of the head portion 3431, and the plurality of openings 3403 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the head portion 3431. In this embodiment, the head portion 3431 is provided with six openings 3403, and in other embodiments, the number of openings 3403 may be different.

[0035] The sealing ring 3506 has the shape of a circular ring and is received in the sealing ring groove 3455 of the mounting seat 3505. As shown in the Fig. 3A and Fig. As shown in Fig. 3D, when the seal ring 3506 is engaged in the seal ring groove 3455, the inner side of the seal ring 3506 fits against the outer surface of the annular platform 3456, and the outer side of the seal ring 3506 abuts against the inner edge of the outer abutment member 3457. In this embodiment, the seal ring 3506 and the seal ring groove 3455 are press-fitted. Since there is a space between the separately arranged plurality of outer abutment members 3457, the press-fitted seal ring 3506 can be expanded to some extent, which can not only ensure the secure engagement between the seal ring 3506 and the seal ring groove 3455, but also ensure the tight engagement between the seal ring 3506 and the seal ring groove 3455.In other embodiments, the sealing ring 3506 may also be attached to the lower surface of the mounting seat 3505 by means of secondary molding.

[0036] To assemble the pressure relief device 101, first, the pressure relief member 3502 can be firmly connected to the valve core 3504 by secondary molding, and the waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503 is fixed to the upper surface of the valve core 3504 by ultrasonic welding, and then the valve core 3504 is engaged with the pressure relief member 3502 and the waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503 attached thereto on the support structure 3512 of the mounting seat 3505, and finally, the protective cover 3501 is fixed to the top of the mounting seat 3505 by a snap connection. Since the support structure 3512 has a relatively large height at the location of the central support pin 337, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D, when the valve core 3504 with the pressure relief member 3502 arranged thereon is aligned with the fluid channel 3401 and engaged with the support structure 3512 of the mounting seat 3505, the center of the valve core body 340 rests on the support structure 3512, and the edge of the valve core body 340 is suspended above the support structure 3512, and thus a pressure relief channel 3402 is formed between the outer edge of the valve core 3504 and the inner wall of the fluid channel 3401 of the mounting seat 3505 (as shown in Fig. 4 is shown).

[0037] Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the pressure relief device 101 in Fig. 1 in an intensive pressure relief state, showing that the pressure relief member 3502 is deformed in the intensive pressure relief state.

[0038] In use, the underside of the pressure relief device 101 faces a component to be pressure relieved. In this embodiment, the component to be pressure relieved is a battery pack 100. Since the mounting seat 3505 is internally provided with a fluid channel 3401, the lower side of the pressure relief member 3502 in the pressure relief device 101 communicates with the interior of the battery pack 100. The lower side of the inner pressure relief member 3502 is a pressurized side. As shown in Fig. 3C, in the free state, the pressure relief member 3502 extends obliquely downward, and the outer edge of the pressure relief member 3502 abuts against the support platform 3459 within the mounting seat 3505, so that the pressure relief channel 3402 is closed and the pressure relief member 3502 is in a locked operating state. The pressure relief member 3502 is made of an elastic material and can deform under the action of an external force. However, when the pressure in the battery pack 100 is less than the predetermined value, the pressure relief member 3502 is subjected to a slight pressure and also has a slight amount of deformation, which is insufficient to open the pressure relief channel 3402.In this case, since both the protective cover 3501 and the valve core 3504 are provided with through holes, the gas in the battery pack 100 can be slowly discharged to the outside environment through the waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503.

[0039] When the gas pressure in the battery pack 100 is greater than the predetermined value, that is, the gas pressure on the lower side of the pressure relief member 3502 is relatively high, as shown in Fig. 4, the pressure relief member 3502 is deformed, and the outer edge of the pressure relief member 3502 bends upward, so that the pressure relief channel 3402 is opened, and the pressure relief member 3502 is in an open operating state. Since the openings 3403 are provided in the head part 3431 above the support platform 3459 just outside the pressure relief channel 3402, the gas escaping from the pressure relief channel 3402 can be quickly discharged to the outside environment directly through the openings 3403. When the pressure relief member 3502 is deformed and opened to relieve pressure, the waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503 can also perform a permeability function. However, the permeation efficiency of the waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503 is much lower than the permeation efficiency resulting from opening the pressure relief member 3502.When sufficient time for pressure relief passes and the gas pressure in the battery pack 100 drops below the predetermined value, the pressure relief member 3502 returns to the state shown in FIG. Fig. 3C, the pressure relief channel 3402 is closed, and the gas is discharged from the battery pack 100 only through the waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503. That is, when the pressure in the battery pack 100 does not reach the predetermined value, the gas-permeable effect of the battery pack 100 is achieved through the waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503; and when the pressure in the battery pack 100 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the battery pack 100 quickly releases the pressure through the pressure relief member 3502. In this case, the waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503 also has a permeability function, but the speed of pressure relief through the waterproof and gas-permeable membrane 3503 is slow.

[0040] The present application uses a structure in which the valve core 3504 and the mounting seat 3505 cooperate to define a pressure relief channel 3402 in the pressure relief device 101. The elasticity of the pressure relief member 3504 is used to open and close the pressure relief channel 3402, thereby relieving the pressure in the battery pack 100. The inherent structure of the pressure relief device 101 is not damaged each time the pressure relief member 3504 is opened to relieve pressure, therefore, the pressure relief device 101 of the present application can be reused without replacing the pressure relief device 101 with a new one after pressure relief, which greatly reduces the usage cost of the pressure relief device 101.Furthermore, the predetermined pressure value at which the pressure relief device 101 of the present application relieves pressure can be adjusted based on the selection of the material of the pressure relief member 3502. When the pressure relief member 3502 has relatively high elasticity and relatively low hardness, the predetermined pressure value for the pressure relief device 101 is relatively low; and when the pressure relief member 3502 has relatively low elasticity and relatively high hardness, the predetermined pressure value for the pressure relief device 101 is relatively high. In the present application, an LR or HNBR material is used to manufacture the pressure relief member 3502. When the pressure in the battery pack 100 is relatively low, the pressure relief device 101 of the present application can perform pressure relief, thereby effectively ensuring the attachment and use of the battery pack 100.

[0041] Fig. 5 shows a partial perspective view of the upper plate 105 of the battery pack 100 in Fig. 2A, which shows the special structure of the mounting hole 230 in the upper plate 105. As in Fig. 5, a pair of notches 5313 and a pair of slots 5314 are provided in a wall of the mounting hole 230. The mounting hole 230 is generally circular, and the diameter of the mounting hole 230 is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the cross section of the insertion part 3432. The number of notches 5313 is equal to the number of bosses 303 in the pressure relief device 101, and the number of slots 5314 is equal to the number of elastic arms 3701 in the pressure relief device 101. Corresponding to the pair of bosses 303 and the pair of elastic arms 3701 in the pressure relief device 101 of the present embodiment, a pair of notches 5313 and a pair of slots 5314 are provided in the mounting hole 230, respectively.The pair of notches 5313 and the pair of slots 5314 are each arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the mounting hole 230, and the pair of slots 5314 and the pair of notches 5313 are offset from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of notches 5313 and the pair of slots 5314 are arranged separately at four quadripartite locations in the wall of the mounting hole 230. The notch 5313 is sized to receive the boss 303 of the mounting seat 505, and the slot 5314 is sized to receive the elastic arm 701 of the boss 303.

[0042] The Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B are schematic representations of steps for attaching the pressure relief device 101 in Fig. 3A on the upper plate 105 of the Fig. 5 shown battery packs 100. For illustration purposes, the Fig. 6A to 6B show the assembly and fitting relationship between the pressure relief device 101 and the battery pack case 102 in sectional views of the pressure relief device 101 along the line CC in Fig. 3C.

[0043] When the pressure relief device 101 is attached to the top plate 105 of the battery pack case 102 from outside the battery pack 100, as shown in Fig. 6A, the pair of lugs 303 of the pressure relief device 101 are aligned with the pair of notches 5313 in the mounting holes 230 of the top plate 105, and then the insertion part 3432 of the pressure relief device 101 is inserted into the mounting hole 230. The pressure relief device 101 is further inserted until the pair of lugs 303 move to the position below the top plate 105 of the battery pack case 102. Since the cross-sectional area of ​​the locking part 302 is larger than that of the mounting hole 230, the locking part 302 abuts the top plate 105. Subsequently, the pressure relief device 101 is rotated 90° with respect to the top plate 105. During the rotation, the two elastic arms 3701 on the lugs 303 always abut the lower surface of the battery pack case 102.After rotating 90°, the pair of elastic arms 701 reach the respective positions of the pair of slots 5314, and the distal ends 3712 of the pair of elastic arms 3701 spring upward to be partially received in the corresponding slots 5314, thereby mounting the pressure relief device 101 in the proper position in the mounting hole 230. Thanks to the engaging and fitting relationship between the elastic arm 3701 and the slot 5314, the pressure relief device 101 and the mounting hole 230 can no longer be easily moved relative to each other, thereby positioning the pressure relief device 101 during its attachment to the battery pack housing 102 and preventing the pressure relief device 101 from rotating relative to the battery pack housing 102 and disengaging from the battery pack housing 102.Since the projection 303 deviates from the position of the notch 5313 after rotation, the projection 303 abuts against the lower surface of the battery pack case 102 after rotation and cooperates with the locking part 302 on the upper surface of the battery pack case 102 to clamp the upper plate 105 of the battery pack case 102 in the clamping space 3900, thereby fixing the pressure relief device 101 to the battery pack case 102 and limiting the upward and downward movements of the pressure relief device 101 with respect to the battery pack case 102.

[0044] The Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B are axial sectional views of the on the upper plate 105 of the battery pack 100 in Fig. 2A in various positions, each showing the fitting relationship between the sealing ring 3506 and the top plate 105 of the battery pack 100. As shown in the Fig. 7A and Fig.7B, the pressure relief device 101 is secured in position in the mounting hole 230 in the battery pack housing 102, the head portion 3431 is located generally above the battery pack housing 102, and the insertion portion 3432 is located generally below the battery pack housing 102. The locking portion 302 and the boss 303 abut the upper and lower surfaces of the battery pack housing 102, respectively. Since the sealing ring 3506 is press-fitted to the lower surface of the locking part 302 and the sealing ring 506 also tightly fits the upper surface of the battery pack case 102, the upper plate 105 of the battery pack case 102 is prevented from loosening between the locking part 302 and the boss 303 of the pressure relief device 101, and the fastening action of the locking part 302 and the boss 303 on the upper plate 105 of the battery pack case 102 is facilitated.In addition, the arrangement of the sealing ring 3506 also assists in sealing the pressure relief device 101 against the battery pack case 102, thereby effectively preventing external dust particles or liquid from entering the battery pack 100 through the gap between the pressure relief device 101 and the battery pack case 102.

[0045] In the present application, by arranging the locking part 302 at an upper end of the insertion part 3432 of the mounting seat 3505 for the pressure relief device 101, arranging the projections 303 on the insertion part 3432, and arranging the notches 5313 that can receive the projections 303 in the wall of the mounting hole 230 in the battery pack case 102, with the fitting relationship between the locking part 302, the projections 303, and the mounting hole 230, only two steps of inserting the insertion part 3432 into the mounting hole 230 and rotating the insertion part 3432 are required to securely fix the pressure relief device 101 to the battery pack 100 thanks to the locking part 302 and the projections 303, without requiring additional mounting parts and mounting tools, which simplifies the mounting steps of the pressure relief device 101 greatly simplified.In this embodiment, the lugs 303 of the pressure relief device 101 comprise two lugs 303, and in other embodiments, other numbers of lugs 303 may be used, such as one, three, four, etc. To correspond to the arrangement of the number of lugs 303, it is also necessary to provide a corresponding number of snap-in receiving parts 313 for mounting holes 300 in the battery pack housing 102.

[0046] The pressure relief device 101 of the present application is used in the battery pack 100. In other embodiments, the pressure relief device 101 may also be provided in other components requiring pressure relief. In this embodiment, the battery pack 100 using the pressure relief device 101 is mounted in an electric vehicle, for example, an electric car, a hybrid vehicle, etc. In other embodiments, the pressure relief device 101 may also be used in battery packs 100 in other technical fields.

Claims

[1] Mounting seat (3505) for a pressure relief device, comprising: a main body part (301), the main body part (301) comprising an insertion part (3432); and a locking part (302), the locking part (302) being arranged at an upper end of the insertion part (3432) and extending outwardly from the main body part (301); at least one projection (303), wherein the at least one projection (303) is arranged on the insertion part (3432) and extends outwardly from the insertion part (3432), wherein the at least one projection (303) is located below the locking part (302) and a clamping space (3900) is formed between the at least one projection and the locking part (302); wherein the at least one approach (303) comprises: an elastic arm (3701), wherein a proximal end (3711) of the elastic arm (3701) is connected to the insertion part (3432) and a distal end of the elastic arm (3701) is a free end (3712); and a receiving part (3702), wherein the receiving part (3702) is connected to the insertion part (3432), wherein a receiving space (3703) is provided in the receiving part (3702), and the receiving space (3703) is designed to at least partially receive the elastic arm (3701); wherein, when the elastic arm (3701) is in a free state, the elastic arm (3701) is at least partially located above an upper surface of the receiving part (3702). [2] The mounting seat (3505) for the pressure relief device according to claim 1, wherein the insertion part (3432) is in the form of a cylindrical sleeve and the at least one projection (303) extends outwardly from an outer peripheral surface of the insertion part (3432). [3] The mounting seat (3505) for the pressure relief device according to claim 2, wherein the at least one lug (303) comprises a pair of lugs (303), and the pair of lugs (303) are arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis of the insertion part (3432). [4] Mounting seat (3505) for the pressure relief device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the free end (3712) is provided with a projection (3704) extending to the locking part (302). [5] Mounting seat (3505) for the pressure relief device according to claim 1 to 3 or 4, wherein the insertion part (3432) is adapted to be inserted into a mounting hole (230) of a component, and a wall of the mounting hole (230) is provided with at least one notch (5313) for receiving the at least one projection (303); the locking part (302) is configured to be positioned outside the mounting hole (230) when the insertion part (3432) is inserted into the mounting hole (230); the at least one projection (303) is configured to be inserted into the mounting hole (230) by being aligned with the at least one notch (5313); and after the insertion part (3432) has been inserted into the mounting hole (230) and rotated so that the at least one projection (303) and the at least one notch (5313) are offset from one another, a part of the component is clamped around the mounting hole (230) in the clamping space (3900). [6] Mounting seat (3505) for the pressure relief device according to claim 5, wherein at least one slot (5314) is provided in the wall of the mounting hole (230), the at least one slot (5314) and the at least one notch (5313) are offset from each other, and the at least one slot (5314) is configured to receive the elastic arm (3701) of the at least one lug (303). [7] Mounting seat (3505) for the pressure relief device according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a sealing ring (3506), wherein the sealing ring (3506) is fixed to a lower surface of the locking part (302). [8] The mounting seat (3505) for the pressure relief device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the main body part (301) further comprises a head part (3431), the head part (3431) being connected to an upper end of the insertion part (3432) at a connecting end (3435) of the head part, and the head part (3431) and the insertion part (3432) together form a fluid channel (3401); and wherein the locking part (302) is formed by surrounding the connecting end (3435) of the head part (3431) and extending outwardly from the head part (3431). [9] Mounting seat (3505) for the pressure relief device according to claim 8, wherein the head part (3431) is in the form of a cylindrical sleeve and the locking part (302) is an annular flange.

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